02/10/2006 - Egyptian study finds non-thermal effects from masts

A recent questionnaire study from Egypt has found a strong association between living near mobile phone base stations and increased prevalence of neurophychiatric complaints (e.g. headaches, dizziness, depression). This is now adding to a collection of similar studies showing similar results that have looked into the relatively low exposures that are caused by living in the vicinity of mobile phone masts.

The conclusions and recommendations of the paper abstract is as follows:

"Inhabitants living nearby mobile phone base stations are at risk for developing neuropsychiatric problems and some changes in the performance of neurobehavioral functions either by facilitation or inhibition. So, revision of standard guidelines for public exposure to RER from mobile phone base station antennas and using of NBTB for regular assessment and early detection of biological effects among inhabitants around the stations are recommended."

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Also in the news

Statistical research into analyses of funding and outcome of studies

This is an interesting document highlighting the typical outcomes of studies into health effects from phone use, entitled "Source of Funding and Results of Studies of Health Effects of Mobile Phone Use: Systematic Review of Experimental Studies".

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HPA Assistant Director says that children should use landlines

Dr. Jill Meara, Assistant Director (Public Health) of the HPA, has made a public health warning announcement regarding the widespread usage of mobile phones amongst children. The following is an excerpt taken from the Evening Standard (link to the full article at the bottom):

"If there are risks - and we think that there could be - then the people who are going to be most affected are children," said Dr Jill Meara of the Health Protection Agency. "We would call on parents to make sure they examine all the evidence before deciding if they will give their children a phone. "They do have a benefit but nothing in life is without some hazards, and you need to weigh the benefits against the potential risks. We will not know for several years what the real risks of mobile phones are."

There are fears that the electromagnetic radiation emitted from handsets may harm health. In particular, there have been claims that it could affect the body's cells, brain or immune system and increase the risk of developing a range of diseases from cancer to Alzheimer's. The government advises a "precautionary approach" and Dr Meara warned children to limit the time they spend on the phone. She said: "If you're going to have an hour-long chat with your boyfriend, do it on a landline. It's also worth sending a text instead if you can, as that cuts the amount of time you are exposed to radiation."